Sloppy Joe

Delicious Sloppy Joe Recipe with Red Beans and Ciabatta

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Looking for a recipe that combines the flavor of meat with fresh aromas and a crunchy texture? Then, the Sloppy Joe recipe with red beans and ciabatta is just what you need! This recipe not only satisfies your meat cravings but also brings a touch of freshness to the plate, thanks to its simple yet flavorful ingredients.

A brief story about Sloppy Joe
Sloppy Joe is a dish that has become popular worldwide, known for its savory combination of ground meat and sauce. Over time, various variations have emerged, each with a personal twist. This version, with red beans, not only enriches the classic recipe but also offers nutritional benefits, making it ideal for a family meal.

Necessary ingredients
- 500 g ground beef
- 2 medium onions, finely chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, crushed
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 hot pepper or chili, sliced (adjust the amount according to your spice tolerance)
- 250 g red beans, cooked and drained
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- Salt, to taste
- 3 teaspoons sugar (or to taste, to balance acidity)
- 200 g canned tomatoes (or fresh tomatoes, chopped)
- 100 ml tomato juice
- 8 pieces of ciabatta or rolls

Nutritional benefits
This recipe is an excellent source of protein thanks to the beef and red beans, which also contain essential fiber for digestion. Tomatoes provide antioxidants, particularly lycopene, which is beneficial for heart health.

Step by step for a perfect result

1. Preparing the meat: In a deep skillet, add the ground beef and let it brown over medium heat. Make sure to break it apart with a spatula so it cooks evenly. This is when the aroma of the meat will start to fill the kitchen!

2. Adding the vegetables: Once the meat is well cooked, add the chopped onion and crushed garlic. Stir everything together and let it cook on low heat for about 10 minutes, until the onion becomes translucent. Here, you can add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors.

3. Including additional vegetables: Add the diced red bell pepper and sliced hot pepper. These vegetables will not only add color to the dish but also a crunchy texture. Let them sauté together with the other ingredients for 5 minutes.

4. Beans and spices: Add the cooked and drained red beans, mustard, sugar, and canned tomatoes. Mix well to combine all the ingredients. Now, it's time to add the tomato juice, which will help create a rich and delicious sauce. Cook everything on low heat for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and becomes consistent.

5. Preparing the rolls: Meanwhile, cut the ciabatta in half. You can lightly toast them in a skillet to achieve a crunchy crust or bake them in the oven for a few minutes. This will add a pleasant contrast between the moist sauce and the crunchy bread.

6. Assembling the dish: Fill each half of the ciabatta with the Sloppy Joe mixture, ensuring that each serving is full of flavors.

7. Serving: Serve immediately, alongside a fresh salad of green cucumbers, red onion, and dill. This will add a refreshing contrast and perfectly complement the dish!

Serving suggestions and variations
If you want to add a touch of flavor, try sprinkling some grated cheese on top of the dish before putting it in the oven for a few minutes. You can also experiment with different types of bread - a baguette or a seeded roll can add an interesting texture.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I replace ground beef with another type of meat?
Yes, you can use chicken or turkey, and for a vegetarian option, tofu or tempeh can be excellent choices.

2. Can I freeze Sloppy Joe?
Absolutely! This dish freezes well. Make sure to let it cool completely before storing it in airtight containers.

3. What drinks pair well with Sloppy Joe?
A cold beer or a fresh fruit cocktail are excellent choices to complement this savory dish.

Calories
This recipe offers approximately 350-400 calories per serving, depending on the exact ingredients used and the portion size. It’s a satisfying meal that won’t compromise your diet!

Cooking is an art, and every recipe is an opportunity to explore new flavors and textures. With this Sloppy Joe recipe with red beans, you’ll be able to bring a touch of joy and flavor to the plate, impressing your friends and family. Enjoy!